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Espaliered method the Art of training trees and shrubs.

A brief background on the ancient art of espalier. "Espalier originally referred to the frame or trellis on which the plant was trained. Today, espalier refers to both the plant and the horticultural technique of actually training the plant. And is seeing a revival of interest as it allows one to grow large quantities of fruit in a small space and for its architectural aesthetics in the landscape.

Espalier (ess-PAL-yer) is an ancient art form of training both trees and shrubs primarily against a wall or fence and combines form and function, and aesthetics with micromanagement. This technique was developed in France and England in the 16th century, because of the need for larger harvests of growing fruit. While this technique used primarily on dwarf apple and/or pear trees, as well as many ornamental shrubs and plants.

Espaliered plants can be used to create a focal point and as a form of art. In an area where space is limited or where a plant is needed to accent a large blank wall an espaliered plant can be an outstanding landscape feature. A mature espalier plant will catch the eye of almost any visitor to your home.

There are many styles espalier but I will mention, at this point, only the six most basic espalier styles include Cordon, Palmetto Verrier, Fan, Informal, Belgian Fence, and Brooklyn Botanical or Candelabra. Each one is quite unique in shaping the growth of the tree, shrub or plant.

Cordon, is the most traditional form and can be used as a very attractive garden area divider. Is consist of a single cordon, also known as "rope," or can be done as multicordon, generally with three tiers of branches. The multicordon takes as long two to three years to reach fruition. These may also take longer to mature in the northern areas of the eastern seaboard of the United States because of the shorten growing period.

Palmetto Verrier consist of using vertical branching which adds an especially attractive area between trees planted against a wall or fence. Horizontally trained branches are gradually trained into upright positions. Design can take up to three years to reach fruition

Fan, is will cover a square space and is very suitable for areas requiring vertical coverage; This particular style can have clear definition within one year. Branches angled at 45 can be raised or lowered for greatest fruit yield.

Informal, this is a more natural shape; requires simple pruning to keep on a two-dimensional plane. It

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